Digital modeling of function and performance of transport amphorae

Abstract

In antiquity, amphorae served as standard transport containers for diverse goods. For packaging of large numbers of amphorae, the basically ovoid‐shaped amphora bodies were stacked in several layers placing their pointed bases into the spaces between the shoulders of the amphorae in the respective lower layer. Thus, particularly during transport in cargo ships they had to withstand considerable mechanical loads at their contact points. This required high mechanical performance concerning the actual ceramic materials as well as the vessel design. In the present paper, the performance of different types of amphorae will be assessed. On the basis of mechanical tests of specimens of East Aegean transport amphorae of the Hellenistic and Roman Period, the material properties of the ceramics have been estimated. These properties are used in three‐dimensional models, simulating the performance of different amphora types under typical loads by using the finite element method (FEM). In this way, specific design features of different vessel types can be assessed for their performance particularly during transport. On the other hand, the simulations provide information toward the interpretation of typical damages observed in archaeological finds and allow for a realistic assessment of amphora function and the risk of its failure.

Do shape and size matter? The distribution ofAmphore Crétoise4 containers, 1st–3rd c. CE

“…Finds of AC4 containers at sites to the north of the Adriatic likely also arrived first at coastal ports and were then transported by river barges and/or overland caravans. 106 A 100 Hein and Kilikoglou 2020. 101 Hein and Kilikoglou 2020, 198. 102 In response to this finding, the authors argue that "if mechanical performance was considered in the development of vessel shapes after all, the focus was probably on weight loads during packaging rather than horizontal loads emerging due to rough sea" (Hein and Kilikoglou 2020, 198).…”

Digital twin models of replicative ground stones: insight into simulating usage of Upper Paleolithic tools

“…The same approach is considered in 28 , where 3D models of arrowheads belonging to the Turk Khaganate, one of the foremost cultures in Eurasia, were simulated striking an armour plate belonging to this period. Other applications can be found in 29 , 30 , where Hellenist ceramic amphoras have been simulated to interpret damage and failure patterns found in the archaeological assets. The FE model has been used to simulate their stacking in cargo ships and understand how the mechanical loads and the contact interactions could cause fracture propagation.…”

Ceramics in the wine industry

“…The bullet‐shaped vessel in Figure 1 was specifically designed to be stacked inside cargo holds of ships in multiple layers 4 . The handles allowed systematic loading and unloading by individuals, with the pointed base intended to be nested between the shoulders of amphorae in the lower layer.…”

“…2,3 The bullet-shaped vessel in Figure 1 was specifically designed to be stacked inside cargo holds of ships in multiple layers. 4 The handles allowed systematic loading and unloading by individuals, with the pointed base intended to be nested between the shoulders of amphorae in the lower layer. The mechanical loads at contact points have been described by finite element modeling and were found to be consistent with damage observed in archaeological finds.…”

“…The mechanical loads at contact points have been described by finite element modeling and were found to be consistent with damage observed in archaeological finds. 4 In this short note, we update our discussion of the role of ceramics in the wine industry that was covered in the book, The Glass of Wine: The Science, Technology, and Art of Glassware for Transporting and Enjoying Wine. 2 While that book focuses on the many roles of glassware in the life cycle of wine (eg, laboratory glassware, bottles, stemware, and decanters), glass is not generally involved directly in the production of wine by fermentation, the process in which the sugar in wine grapes is converted to alcohol in the presence of yeasts:…”